GM issues recalls for Hummers, Chevrolets.

The New York Times (7/9, Jensen, Subscription Publication, 12.24M) reports that General Motors issued a recall covering “about 196,000 Hummer sport utility vehicles” which can have “an electrical problem that resulted in at least two vehicles being destroyed in fires.” The problem is that “part of the heating and cooling system could overheat and cause a fire inside the dashboard.” There were 20 complaints filed with the NHTSA “about fires inside the dashboard.” GM says 42 fires were reported. The recall covers the Hummer H3 2006-10, and the H3T 2009-10.

        The Detroit News (7/8, Shepardson, 523K) reports that in addition to the Hummer recalls of the H3 and H3T, GM also announced a recall for “50,731 2014-15 Chevrolet Sparks and 2015 Chevrolet Sonics because of a radio glitch.” Software for the radio “may cause the radio to lock up in the OnStar turn-by-turn directions mode.” The result is that “all audio functions will cease, including vehicle chimes related to warnings for a key left in ignition and driver safety belt not in use” a violation of US safety standards.

        Reuters (7/8) also covers the announced recalls for the Hummer and Chevrolet vehicles.